When they reached the captives, Running Fox stooped and stared steadily into the face of Big Dog. The eyes of the Shawnee blazed with hate. The Delaware straightened and began to speak.
"Big Dog, do you know the words of my people?" he asked.
The Shawnee gave no sign that he understood. Running Fox felt sure that he was attempting to deceive. He waited some moments, and then he resumed speaking.
"If you do not know my words there is no chance for you," he said. "I have come here to give you a chance for your life. Now listen sharp to what I am about to tell you. Your people have caught my brother, Spotted Deer. He is tied up in your village. I believe your people are about to kill him. If they kill him you must die. We have come here to take Spotted Deer away. You are a great chief. If you speak to your people they will listen. You must tell them to let Spotted Deer go. If you do that no harm will come to you. Come, be quick, give me a sign."
For several moments the Shawnee remained motionless. Then he glanced at his companions. His eyes questioned them. The Delawares watched closely. Would he yield? Their hopes died as the stern Shawnee chief stared defiantly at Running Fox. The latter still waited. He began to wonder if the Shawnee really understood his words.
"Well, Shawnee, I see that we must kill you," he said, finally. "Come, my brothers, the foolish Shawnees wish to die."
The Delawares drew their bows and advanced upon the captives. The latter gave no evidence of fear. Running Fox watched anxiously. He knew that unless he could force the Shawnees to agree to his terms there was slight chance of saving Spotted Deer. It was apparent, however, that Big Dog and his companions intended to defy him. The thought suddenly roused him into a temper. His face grew dark with anger, and his eyes flashed dangerously. He jerked his bow into position and fitted an arrow. Then he drew back the bow-string and aimed the arrow at the heart of Big Dog. At that instant the chief slowly raised himself. Running Fox lowered his bow. His eyes lighted with hope.
"Well, Shawnee, I see that you wish to speak," he said. "It is good. We will listen to your words. But first I will tell you something. If you try to call out when I take that thing away from your mouth I will shoot my arrow through you. Remember those words."
Big Dog nodded. Then Running Fox began to untie the buckskin gag. The other Shawnees watched with interest. It was some moments before Big Dog spoke.
"I heard your words," he said, brusquely.